The proposed East River Esplanade with the Brooklyn Bridge in the distance

Soliciting and drawing upon unprecedented public participation, the LMDC created numerous off-site initiatives that will ensure Lower Manhattan's rebirth as a vibrant community. These investments will position Lower Manhattan as a thriving 21st Century community and serve as the key economic engine for the nation, and secure its position as the financial capital of the world.

On September 7, 2011, the Lower Manhattan Development Corporation announced a Funding Plan for the distribution of $17 million in Community and Cultural Enhancement Program grants to 38 recipients. The 38 grants are being awarded to organizations for a broad range of projects and services including youth, senior and social services, health care, education, recreation, and cultural initiatives. Read More

The LMDC has provided $46 million for the renovation of 19 parks and open spaces from Canal Street to Battery Park. The renovations touch every neighborhood of Lower Manhattan and improve the quality of life for every constituency. Renovations include increasing the size of the parks, enhancing the landscape, and adding play equipment for the growing number of children in the neighborhood. Read More

On August 31, 2004, the Lower Manhattan Development Corporation took ownership of the building located at 130 Liberty Street, previously known as the Deutsche Bank Building. The building was badly damaged on September 11, 2001, and has since stood as a grim reminder of the events of that day. As another important step in its mission to rebuild Lower Manhattan, the LMDC has begun cleaning and deconstructing the building to permit the redevelopment of the World Trade Center site. Read More

The September 11th attacks severely impacted Chinatown. With the assistance of an LMDC working group composed of Chinatown community representatives, the LMDC identified the community's priorities and created and implemented programs to address those needs. Read More

The LMDC has invested in initiatives to improve the quality of life downtown including $275 million for the creation and revitalization of the Lower Manhattan Water Fronts. Major initiatives on the waterfronts, when combined with Battery Park, will create 10 consecutive miles of boardwalks, green spaces and recreational piers surrounding Lower Manhattan. Read More

During LMDC's historic public process, resident's and community leaders consistently stressed the need for affordable housing in a newly revived Lower Manhattan. Recognizing that affordable housing helps to expand and ensure a diverse residential population, which creates a strong sense of community throughout Lower Manhattan, the LMDC allocated $50 million for affordable housing projects. Read More

In March 2006, the Lower Manhattan Development Corporation awarded $27.4 million in cultural enhancement grants to 63 Lower Manhattan arts organizations and projects. The grants are expected to leverage more than $410 million in investments for cultural institutions below Houston Street. The Grants were categorized into four categories capital, events, planning and program. Read More

The Lower Manhattan Development Corporation is in the process of reviewing applications for Community Enhancement Funds. Applications were submitted by non-profit organizations engaged in programs or projects that benefit the residents, workers, and communities of Lower Manhattan. Read More

The LMDC conducted several security and streetscape studies that resulted in enhancements that protect the New York Stock Exchange/Financial Core in the post-9/11 world while also enhancing the surrounding environment. Read More

Since September 11th, residents of lower Manhattan have suffered significant hardships, including financial hardships, as a result of the terrorist attacks on September 11th. The primary purpose of the Residential Grant Program was to provide financial assistance to lower Manhattan residents in recognition of the personal, family, and living expenses they may have incurred as a result of the disaster. Read More

The LMDC joined with early efforts by the Empire State Development Corporation and the New York City Economic Development Corporation to stabilize the business community. The efforts resulted in stabilization of the commercial sector, preserved and created over 250,000 jobs at over 16,000 firms, and spurred $1.6 billion in economic and additionally 10,777 jobs. Read More

The attacks on the World Trade Center and the subsequent recovery had a profound impact on Lower Manhattan's communities. Many residents could not return to their homes for weeks or months and when they did return, endured closings of streets and public spaces, transportation disruptions, and re-laying of electrical cables.

Throughout it all, Lower Manhattan residents have shown remarkable resolve to remain in their communities. The progress in restoring a normal quality of life over years has been dramatic, but the full recovery of Lower Manhattan will take several years to achieve, and will require the continued patience, commitment and perseverance of downtown's residents and businesses.

LMDC is committed to ease the hardships during the recovery period and to ensure Lower Manhattan emerges from this tragedy even better than it was before.